Sri Lanka, revitalised after their ODI series win against Zimbabwe and a dominant Test victory over Afghanistan, has announced a strong 16-member squad for the upcoming three-match ODI series against the same opponents. The series kicks off on February 9th at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium, promising exciting encounters between two teams harbouring T20 World Cup aspirations.
Mendis Leads Revamped Squad, Shanaka Benched
Leading the charge for Sri Lanka will be Kusal Mendis, who impressed with his batting in the Zimbabwe series. Interestingly, former skipper Dasun Shanaka has been dropped from the squad, a decision reflecting his recent form slump. This opens doors for other players to prove their mettle, injecting fresh energy into the team.
Sri Lanka’s recent performances offer cause for optimism. Their convincing Test win against Afghanistan showcased their potential, while the Zimbabwe series victory displayed their batting prowess. However, maintaining consistency remains crucial, especially considering their disappointing outing in the ODI World Cup. Players like Janith Liyanage, who shone in the Zimbabwe series, will be aiming to replicate their form against a tougher Afghan challenge.
Afghanistan Seeks Redemption After World Cup Near Miss
Despite falling short of the semi-finals in the ODI World Cup, Afghanistan left their mark with some impressive performances. They now seek redemption in this series, fueled by their recent 0-3 T20I series defeat against India. The absence of star spinner Rashid Khan due to injury is a setback, but it also presents an opportunity for other players to step up.
The upcoming series holds significance for both sides as they prepare for the T20 World Cup scheduled for June. Sri Lanka will see this as a chance to gain momentum and test their combinations. For Afghanistan, it’s a platform to rediscover their winning form and showcase their talent.
Beyond the Series: Champions Trophy Looms
While the immediate focus is on the ODI series, both teams have an eye on the bigger picture. The Champions Trophy 2025, scheduled for Pakistan, is another major target. With Sri Lanka familiar with Pakistani conditions, this series could provide valuable insights and help them build a strong team for the tournament.
With both teams having something to prove and aiming for World Cup glory, the upcoming ODI series promises to be an exciting contest. Sri Lanka will look to capitalize on their home advantage and recent form, while Afghanistan will be determined to bounce back and showcase their fighting spirit. Cricket fans can expect explosive batting, nail-biting finishes, and a glimpse into the future of these two promising teams.
Sri Lanka Squad for Afghanistan ODI Series: Kusal Mendis (c), Charith Asalanka, Pathum Nissanka, Avishka Fernando, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Janith Liyanage, Wanindu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana, Dushmantha Chameera, Dilshan Madushanka, Pramod Madushan, Sahan Arachchige, Akila Dananjaya, Dunith Wellalage, Chamika Karunaratne, Shevon Daniel
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